As JSU wrapped up for the year, some of the seniors were sad for it to come to an end. JSU members feel they accomplished a lot over the year and are excited to get back into it next year. Seniors are looking forward to joining clubs once they arrive at college.
According to advisor Mindy Daitchman, JSU has been able to give students a place where they can come connect with other Jewish students and express their beliefs. Throughout disputes in the world, the goal of JSU is to create a secure space for people to come and open up about their thoughts.
“We have created a safe space where students, student leaders and myself can come, express their Judaism and enjoy all that we have to offer. Have good conversations, celebrate our culture, heritage and religion,” Daitchman said. “We also work to give students a place to talk when there are challenges throughout our community.”
Senior Nora Olson said she is going to miss all the good times and relationships she has created with her classmates. She is going to continue to build friendships she has made as a result of joining JSU. Olson also plans to continue staying up to date with her religion by joining a Hillel club in college.
“I will miss all the fun times that we’ve had together as well as all the arts and crafts and games that we play,” Olson said. “I will make sure to stay in contact with people I have met through JSU, as well as joining the Hill L club on my college campus.”
Senior Henry Salita said he’s going to miss JSU because of the community they have built over the years. Salita plans to continue practicing his faith throughout the summer and in college.
“I’m going to miss the sense of community, most of the people in JSU are close friends of mine,” Salita said. “I practice my faith in many other ways so I will make sure I continue to do so, now that I am not in JSU anymore.”
Daitchman said they are going to miss all students and people who have participated in JSU. She is planning on returning next year to continue this club. She thinks that JSU is a very important club that benefits Jewish students greatly.
“I’m tremendously going to miss JSU over the summer, as well as everybody every week,” Daitchman said. “I’m very excited to return next year, and continue building relationships. I think JSU is something that students need and sometimes it’s hard to advocate for yourself. It’s an honor for me to be able to advocate for them.”
Olson said JSU was able to build a community throughout the year by meeting once a week.
“JSU has done a really good job at building a community and creating a space where we can all have fun together,” Olson said.
In college Salita will continue practicing Judaism by joining other local clubs. Even having not attended JSU as much as he was hoping, he said they’ve accomplished a lot.
“When I go to college I plan to participate in other Jewish programs,” Salita said. “I havent been to JSU as much as I would have liked, but I think for the most part we are a safe place for Jewish students to come together and have fun while practicing their faith.”
Correction – June 12, 2024: The collegiate Jewish student organization Hillel was transcribed as Hill L. The spelling of the organization has been updated for accuracy.
